It was around -9 degrees in Sherbrooke on Wednesday morning, but Manuel Rodriguez was loving it. “It’s the first time I’ve been outdoors (in a year)” he told reporters in French. Manuel, his wife Georgina and their son Manolo, who sought sanctuary in Plymouth-Trinity church over a year ago, made their way to Canadian Border Services with their lawyer to ask that the arrest order against them be lifted. This wish was granted with a warning that they must present themselves once a week to border services. A new deportation order could come at any time, but for now, the three members of the family are able to move freely around Sherbrooke. Supporters will continue to petition the federal Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, to grant them permanent resident status.
“I feel very happy,” Manolo, 19, told Radio-Canada. “I can see my friends, go out with them, that’s it. There are no words to explain it.”
Manuel, at left, Georgina, in the light coat, and Manolo behind her, with friends and supporters outside Plymouth-Trinity. (Radio-Canada)